Moderate Earthquake in NZ near Masterson, Mag 5 +/- 0.2

  • Thread starter Astronuc
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In summary, there was a discrepancy on the magnitude of the earthquake near Masterton, New Zealand, with the USGS reporting a M4.8 and Geonet reporting a 5.2. The earthquake was felt by people in the vicinity and was followed by several smaller aftershocks. The USGS report was questioned due to their limited sensors in the region, while Geonet's report was deemed more reliable. The earthquake was strong enough to knock the froth off of someone's latte, but not felt by everyone in the area.
  • #1
Astronuc
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There is some discrepancy on the magnitude.

USGS reports - M4.8 - 12km WNW of Masterton, New Zealand
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us20005h22#general
2016-04-11 19:41:06 (UTC)
Location: Lat 40.932°S, Long 175.514°E
Depth: 27.1 km (16.9 mi) - shallow. Folks in the vicinity definitely felt it.

Earthquake of 5.2 magnitude, centred near Masterton, rocks lower North Island (stuff.co.nz) attributed to Geonet
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/78809720/quake-rocks-lower-north-island

"In the minutes following the quake there were a series of smaller ones in the same area, measuring 2.9, 2.6, 3.2, and 3.3."

Did you get a signal Dave?
 
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  • #2
Astronuc said:
There is some discrepancy on the magnitude.

USGS reports - M4.8 - 12km WNW of Masterton, New Zealand

yeah, I will believe the GNS report for this one. They have a very good saturation of sensors over the region
where as the closest 2 for the USGS are Wellington, NZ and Raoul Is, (NZ) around 500km nth of the North Island, NZ
Astronuc said:
Did you get a signal Dave?

only just saw some of the surface waves

Astronuc said:
"In the minutes following the quake there were a series of smaller ones in the same area, measuring 2.9, 2.6, 3.2, and 3.3."

Quite rich in small aftershocks, here's the last 24 hour
This also helps to confirm the M5+ status :)

mrz-seismic-drum.gif


Dave
 
  • #3
I was in the shower at the time, and my dad came in and asked if I felt the earthquake -- I didn't. It seems it occurred right below Masterton's water treatment plant.
 
  • #4
A guy on the radio asked if it knocked the froth off of your Latte :-)
 

1. What is the cause of a moderate earthquake in NZ near Masterson?

The cause of a moderate earthquake in NZ near Masterson is most likely due to movement along a fault line. New Zealand is located in an area with high tectonic activity, making it prone to earthquakes. The specific fault line that was triggered in this event would need to be analyzed to determine the exact cause.

2. How strong is a magnitude 5 earthquake?

A magnitude 5 earthquake is considered a moderate earthquake on the Richter scale. It can cause light to moderate damage to buildings and structures, and can be felt by people indoors and outdoors. It is not uncommon for New Zealand to experience earthquakes of this magnitude.

3. Was there any damage or injuries reported from this earthquake?

At this time, there have been no reports of significant damage or injuries from this earthquake. However, it is important for authorities to continue monitoring the situation and for individuals to take necessary precautions in the event of aftershocks.

4. How common are earthquakes in New Zealand?

New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is known for its high tectonic activity. As a result, earthquakes are relatively common in the country. On average, New Zealand experiences around 20,000 earthquakes per year, with most of them being minor and going unnoticed.

5. Is there a risk of a tsunami following this earthquake?

The likelihood of a tsunami following a moderate earthquake in New Zealand near Masterson is low. However, it is important for individuals to stay informed and follow any warnings or evacuation notices from local authorities. It is always better to be prepared for such events, especially in areas prone to earthquakes.

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